Chilly air and an overcast sky did not stop FAMU’s Board of Trustees, administrators, faculty, and students from cutting the ribbon on the newly renovated Jones Hall.“It is an honor to be here to officially recognize the reopening of another campus building,” said FAMU President James H. Ammons.
Ammons shared with the audience that he remembered when he was a student taking classes in Jones Hall.
“I remember when I took classes in Jones Hall,” Ammons said. “This building has meant so much to FAMU and students who have gone on to be leaders in science, technology and mathematics. I’m proud of this renovation. I will continue to support the programs of Jones Hall because they support the mission of the university. Here we are today with a newly renovated state of the art Jones Hall.”
Jones Hall houses the Departments of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The renovation of Jones Hall included a complete interior renovation and modernization of all spaces, which included updated classrooms, teaching and research laboratories, offices, conference rooms, restrooms, a darkroom and a greenhouse.
Jones Hall was constructed in 1953 and renovated in 1974 and 1993.
“Students have come into this building to enhance their science studies,” Provost Cynthia Hughes Harris said. “This facility will provide our students and future students with a strong learning environment. FAMU is dedicated and ready to serve.”
Dianna Martin, a senior biology pre-med student from Boca Raton, Fla., expressed her excitement about the newly renovated Jones Hall.
“I lived in the Jones Hall,” Martin said. “I spend a lot time in Jones Hall studying and conducting research. A lot of times we conduct research with bacteria and viruses. Now we have the latest equipment to ensure that we are getting the best learning experience. Everything is readily accessible. It is so wonderful to have the latest technology. It is great to be able to compete with students from other universities as well as for the University to recruit some of the best and brightest students.”
After graduation, Martin plans to go to medical school to become an infant cardiologist.
“This building is a gateway for all FAMU students,” Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Ralph Turner said. “Jones Hall has been held at high regard and its students can be transformed to scientist, science teachers and dentists. FAMU is a growing institution. This is a good sign for the future of the university.”